Sideshow: Hundreds of South Africans moonwalk for Jackson
Several hundred South Africans gathered yesterday for a moonwalking tribute to the King of Pop that reflected the diversity of the rainbow nation. They were in Johannesburg's Nelson Mandela Square for one reason: an abiding love for Michael Jackson's music. "He's the king and will always be the king," said 28-year-old Siviwe Mazwana.
To "Man in the Mirror" and "Smooth Criminal," dancers of all ages emulated the hip-jutting, crotch-grabbing, moonwalking moves that made Jackson famous. Some had ducked out on lunch breaks from nearby offices, a single white glove the only unbusinesslike part of their outfits. Others came in full Jackson regalia, wearing red satin jackets and punctuating dance moves with a tip of the fedora.
Jackson had a history of appealing to racially mixed audiences here.
- Associated Press
Butler hearing postponed
Arraignment has been postponed until Aug. 18 for 300 actor Gerard Butler, who has been charged in Los Angeles with misdemeanor battery for a scuffle with a paparazzo.Prosecutors say the Scottish-born actor had a run-in with a photographer last year after a premiere party for the film RocknRolla. Butler's manager, Alan Siegel, says Butler was forced to have his driver stop the car after the photographer sped through red lights and almost struck two pedestrians. Butler, star of this summer's The Ugly Truth, faces up to six months in jail if convicted.
- AP
A cable series focusing on the contemporary art scene is in the works at Bravo.
The yet-to-be-named reality show is being produced by Sarah Jessica Parker's company, Pretty Matches, along with the Magical Elves production company (Top Chef, Project Runway) and Runway producer Eli Holzman. Thirteen contestants will compete for a gallery exhibition, a cash prize, and a sponsored national tour. The artists will create works in the fields of sculpture, painting, photography, industrial design, and more.
Open casting calls are to be held in Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, and New York beginning July 11. The completed works will be judged by a panel of art-world figures including gallerists, collectors, curators, critics, and fellow artists.
- Los Angeles Times
Czech fest opens
The 44th International Film Festival opened yesterday in the Czech Republic with a week of events planned, including an award for French actress Isabelle Huppert and a world premiere by Milos Forman. The festival in the resort of Karlovy Vary features 220 movies, including the Czech-born Forman's A Walk Worthwhile, which the Oscar-winning director adapted from an '07 staging of a 1960s Czech musical.Huppert is to receive the Crystal Globe award for her contribution to world cinema. Her latest film, Villa Amalia, is among the 14 films taking part in the festival's main competition.
- AP
Contact "SideShow" at sideshow@phillynews.com.This column contains information from Inquirer wire services.
